A decision-theoretic approach to reliable message delivery

TL;DR

This paper advocates for applying decision theory to improve reliable message delivery by optimizing when and how often heartbeat messages should be sent based on utility and probability considerations.

Contribution

It introduces a decision-theoretic framework for reliable communication, integrating utility and probability to guide message-sending strategies.

Findings

Decision theory can optimize heartbeat message frequency.

Utility and probability considerations improve message reliability.

Framework guides when to send heartbeat messages.

Abstract

We argue that the tools of decision theory need to be taken more seriously in the specification and analysis of systems. We illustrate this by considering a simple problem involving reliable communication, showing how considerations of utility and probability can be used to decide when it is worth sending heartbeat messages and, if they are sent, how often they should be sent.